7.1 speaker set-up suggestion?...

[ShootingBlanks]

Hello, all - I am new getting into the world of home theater. I'm setting up a room about 14'x14' or so - nothing too big...

Any suggestions for an 8-piece speaker set that would be decent and that I can get for in the $400-500 range? Is that even feesible? Obviously (based on that budget) I'm not looking for the greatest sound system ever created - just a nice decent package...

Or, is it not even worth it to go with an 8-piece, and should I just stick to a better 6-piece? What's the benefits?...

To clarify, I don't need a reciever. Just the speaker set...

Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions!...

 

[jcPanny]

HT speakers

I think you would be much better off with a 5.1 system, or maybe starting with a 2.1 or 3.1 system in your price range and adding 1 or 2 pairs of surround speakers when budget allows.

For decent budget bookshelf speakers, check out the Athena Audition series and BIC venturi lines ($100/pair). I have a pair of Athena AS-B1.1 bookshelves and a AS-C1.1 center if you are interested.

For a better quality 2.1 or 3.1 system for $500, check out the Onix X-LS speakers and X-sub. The speakers and sub show up in the b-stock and forum pages regularly for about $175/pair.

 

[ShootingBlanks]

If I wanted a decent 5.1 system, then, could I (at a later time) add on the two satellite speakers to make it 7.1? Or would that mess things up? Would I need to make sure that the two added speakers were from the same manufacturer as the original 5 that I bought?...

Am I better off going with buying five separate speakers individually, or getting a 5-piece package?...

I think that my receiver needs a powered sub (otherwise I have to buy a preamp or something, I think). Are most subs powered nowadays? Where on the specs would I check for that, cuz I haven't seen that noted either way on the systems I've been looking at...

Sorry for all the questions, but thanks!...

 

[j_garcia]

Do you also need a sub? If so, then you are better off going with a package because that budget will be severely limiting. Yes, you can add 2 speakers to make it 7.1 later without issue.

You could look at the HSU VT-12 package - www.hsuresearch.com It is $299 and then you can add a sub for whatever is left.

The Infinity Primus line is on clearance at most places right now so they can be found quite inexpensively.

 

[ShootingBlanks]

Thanks for the info!!!...

 

[no. 5]

If I wanted a decent 5.1 system, then, could I (at a later time) add on the two satellite speakers to make it 7.1?

yes

Would I need to make sure that the two added speakers were from the same manufacturer as the original 5 that I bought?...

no (although it would'nt hurt if thay were)

Am I better off going with buying five separate speakers individually, or getting a 5-piece package?...

5-piece packages are often cheeper, but buying sepertly will often net you better quality.

I think that my receiver needs a powered sub (otherwise I have to buy a preamp or something, I think). Are most subs powered nowadays? Where on the specs would I check for that, cuz I haven't seen that noted either way on the systems I've been looking at...

yes, it needs a powered sub. yes almost any sub you buy nowadays will be powered.

 

[Tomorrow]

This Performance 1 system from Hsu has received nice reviews. Give it a look. It hits your budget target AND includes a nice subwoofer.
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/performance1.html

 

[auujay]

BIC Venturi

I'd second the BIC America Venturi line as a good value choice. I have not heard their new horn speaker line but I have been happy with the speakers.

In general I would avoid their subs, I have not heard them but I have not heard positive reviews. Of course the new Acoustech H100 sub has potential as it was designed with Hsu Research, though if I were in your shoes I'd probably go with one of the other quality budget subs that have a solid reputation.

 

[apatel25314]

try the infinity primus line they are very cheap nowadays and were once in the range of $1300